Sebastian Vettel confirms he talked with Red Bull's Helmut Marko about F1 return

Sebastian Vettel has admitted that he held brief talks with Red Bull’s Helmut Marko about his possible return to Formula 1. The four-time champion, who was at the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix for an environmental initiative, has made it clear that he remains content with his life away from full-time racing.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1, during his visit to Interlagos, Vettel explained that the speculation linking him to Red Bull had some truth to it, but no formal offer followed.

“I don’t know. I read there was a lot of talk about it and so on. I did speak with Helmut a little bit, but it never got anywhere, never gained any traction. I think, for me, I am fairly happy where I am in life right now,” Vettel said, via Crash.Net.

Sebastian Vettel’s comments came months after Christian Horner’s unexpected exit from Red Bull, under whom he won all four of his world titles between 2010 and 2013.

Sebastian Vettel after his final F1 race at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022. Source: Getty

Vettel's long-standing relationship with the team has fueled ongoing rumors of a possible ambassador role within Red Bull's structure. Still, his recent comments in Brazil suggested that any such involvement remains unlikely.

“I love F1,” Vettel added. “In the beginning, I thought I’m not sure whether I want to keep watching because I need to get a distance. I watch the races and follow it because I love the sport. I know the guys as well so I am still close in that way and if the right opportunity, position, perspective, whatever turns out, maybe there’s a role that I could be happy to step up to, but time will tell.”

The German driver retired from F1 at the end of the 2022 season, having spent two years with Aston Martin. He chose to step away to spend more time with his family and focus on personal projects.

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Sebastian Vettel continues his environmental advocacy with “Forest – Drawn Together”

Sebastian Vettel in the Forest F1 garage at Interlagos, 2025. Source: Getty

Away from the paddock politics, Sebastian Vettel’s return to São Paulo marked the launch of his new sustainability project, “Forest – Drawn Together.” The initiative encouraged fans, drivers, and team staff to draw trees as symbols of unity and environmental responsibility.

The trees formed a symbolic “forest” which was displayed within the circuit’s fan zone. The project expands on the environmental mission that has defined Vettel's post-racing career.

During the weekend, Vettel personally joined recycling efforts around the paddock, sorting waste and cleaning up the garages. His actions drew widespread attention, with Lewis Hamilton later posting a heartfelt message celebrating his former rival’s ongoing commitment to global causes.

Edited by Hitesh Nigam